Beta carotene, a yellow pigmenting agent found in many fruits and vegetables, is essential for good vision and resistance to disease. Your body converts beta carotene into vitamin A. Biotin, a B vitamin, plays an important role in digestion and metabolism. It helps your body to convert carbohydrates into sugar to provide energy. Biotin also helps to maintain the health of your skin, hair, eyes, liver and nerves. As of 2011, there are no reports of adverse drug interactions between beta carotene and biotin when they are taken together. However, it would be a good idea to consult your doctor before consuming these or any other vitamin supplements.
Beta Carotene Facts
Consuming four or more servings of yellow fruits and vegetables daily provides a wide shield of protection from heart disease and common forms of cancer, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. The center warns against using supplements, however. People who take beta carotene as a separate supplement may have an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
Biotin Therapeutic Uses
Biotin helps improve capillary blood flow in people with diabetic neuropathy, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Biotin when taken in combination with chromium may also be helpful in people with Type 2 diabetes, but more research is needed to find out whether biotin alone offers the same benefits.
Dosage
Good sources of beta carotene include carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes and broccoli. If you are sensitive to beta carotene, avoid supplemental use. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends getting beta carotene through your diet -- not though high-dosage pills. For adults, the standard recommended dose is 15 to 50 milligrams per day. Biotin is found in brewer’s yeast, egg yolks, nuts, soybeans, whole grains and sardines. Many multivitamins and B-vitamin complexes contain the daily recommended intake for biotin, which is 30 micrograms for adults.
Precautions
In high doses, beta carotene can be harmful, and beta carotene supplements may have cancer-causing effects in smokers. As a water-soluble vitamin, biotin does not build up in the body and cause side effects. Biotin does not have serious interactions with other medications, although a few meds like antibiotics and anti-seizure medications may deplete biotin from your body.
Member Comments